Evidence: The Gathering

[Randy Carson]

Christians do have evidence for the existence of God, Jesus and the resurrection. Like most historical evidence, it's indirect evidence and cannot be measured or repeated by science, but if there is "no qualitative distinction between direct and circumstantial evidence", then atheists have some serious re-thinking to do.

I would encourage everyone to read the materials available from the ancient world, from the poets and philosophers to the historians and mystics, etc. I've spent the majority of my time this year reading literature beginning with ancient near east cultures, dating from the third millennium BC, passing through Homer and the presocratics to the Romans and now currently on the early Christian fathers. Your so-called circumstantial evidence is incredibly shallow. Out of curiosity, what other works from the ancient world have you familiarized yourself with to objectively evaluate the credibility and context in which your beloved apostle and his fellow ministers composed their theologies?

Ah...the college life. So much free time...so little responsibility. Enjoy it while it lasts, Nestor.

I'm happy to hear that you have been able to give the ancients a read and that you have now moved on to the ECF's. I have not been so fortunate, but I may be able to speak to your concerns somewhat.

Why do you say "so-called"? It IS evidence, and it IS indirect or circumstantial...so why the scare quotes?

Do you agree with the California judicial system that there is "no qualitative distinction between direct and circumstantial evidence"?

What are you even considering as evidence for Christianity's claims? A brief list would be helpful here, if you could put something together.

And what, specifically, do you find "incredibly shallow"?